Roof system for stadia and the like



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July 20, 1965 Filed Oct. 28, 1960 E. H. PRAEGER ROOF SYSTEM FOR STADIA AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Emil H. Praeger BY @urflgMa/Wi; AQf a/d/ ATTORNEYS y 1965 E. H. PRAEGER 3,195,275

. ROOF SYSTEM FOR STADIA AND THE LIKE Filed 001;. 28, 1960 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 5L is F I g. 3 A,

36 mmvrox Emil H. Proeger BY Lira- 11M, 519,464

ATTORNEYS United States Patent v O R001 SYSTEM FUR STADIA AND THE LIKE Emil II. Iraeger, New York, N.Y., assignor to Praeger- Kavanagh-Waterhury, New York, N.Y., a partnership Filed Oct. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 65,697 3 Ciaims. (Cl. 5tl51) The present invention relates to roof systems for stadia, arenas and the like.

Most events, such as athletic contests, which are attended by many thousands of people usually take place in an open air stadium or an arena. Because of the large area required for the event as well as seating for the audience, these events are not held in indoor auditoriu'ms. Typical of such events are baseball and football games. In the case of football and baseball the playing area is quite large and heretofore it has not been practical to attempt to provide a movable roof over the stadium. As a result, whenever an event is held out of doors in a large stadium there is always the threat of bad weather such as rain, snow, etc. which causes either a cancellation of the event or a drastic curtailment in attendance. In such a case the promoters or sponsors of the event usually sustain a large and substantial financial loss.

Heretofore, limited attempts have been made to provide some form of movable covering or roofing systems for some types of stadia, but these stadia have had only a small playing area. In addition, the roof system has usually required some sort of central supports for the roof members. As far as it is known, none of the systems have been suitable for covering a stadium capable of serving as a baseball field.

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior systems and to provide a roof system for baseball stadia and the like, the present invention provides a unique self supporting movable roof system which may be quickly maneuvered to enclose such a stadium when the weather conditions so require.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stadium roof system which is economical to construct and, yet, provides adequate and effective protection firom the elements during bad weather. It is another object of the present invention to provide a roof system which may be quickly and efiiciently opened or closed as desired. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a roof system which is centrally self supporting and does not require any exterior central supporting column arches or cantilever structure to support it.

In the specification and the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a stadium roof system is shown and described. It is to be understood that this disclosed embodiment is not intended to be exhaustive nor a limitation of the invention, but, on the contrary, it is shown for the purpose of illustration in order that others skilled in the art may fully understand the invention, its principles and the manner of carrying it out.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a series of X-shaped or double sector roof sections in a covering position;

FIGURE 2 is a partial sectional view of a stadium showing the roof system in a concave or suspended configuration (as contrasted with a convex or domed configuration) and the means for supporting the same;

FIGURE 2a is an enlarged view of one arrangement for permitting rotation of the movable roof sections of FIGURE 2, with alternate convex sections indicated by phantom lines;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged partially fragmentary plan view of a roof section of the concave configuration show- Patented .Fuly 20, 1965 ICC ing the reinforcing structure and a central pan portion for drainage;

FIGURE 4- is an enlarged plan view of the central pan portion;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged sectional view through a typical portion of the roof section of FIGURE 3 along lines 5-5 showing the reinforcing structure and covering of the section;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view of a partial section of the central pan portion in the direction of arrows 66 of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 7 is a schematic view showing a drainage and roof heating system.

Referring to the drawings, and to FIGURES 1 and 2 in particular, a movable roof system is shown which is comprised of a series of sections Ill, 12, I4, and 16 which have a general X-shaped side outline. In the illustrated embodiment each section is comprised of two diametrically opposed sector-shaped segments centrally joined as a continuous self-supporting structural element. It is to be understood that the roof may be divided into any number and size of paired segments and the 45 segments are shown for the purpose of illustration.

Each roof section which is formed of two opposite positioned sectors is a continuous self supporting structure extending across the open area of a substantially circular perimeter track structure Iii. The perimeter structure 18 which surrounds the stadium playing area acts as a support for the roof sections. This perimeter structure 18 is supported on any suitable elevated structural arrangement 20, such as the seating stands of the stadium. The perimeter structure may also include external cable backstays anchored outside the stadium limits. Advantageously each of the panels extends through the center of the open area of the stadia.

Each roof section may be movably mounted on the perimeter structure 18, but, in actual practice one roof section (usually the uppermost) will be fixed in place. In the closed condition the roof system will be arranged as shown in FIGURE 1 and will cover substantially the entire playing area of the stadium. When it is not desirable or necessary to cover the playing area within the perimeter structure 18 the roof sections may be moved to "a stacked condition as shown in FIGURE 2. In the stacked arrangement the roof section Ill is allowed to remain in place. The remaining three roof sections, 12, 14, and 16 are rotated into a position wherein they are nested beneath the uppermost section It). In this stacked arrangement of the playing area is uncovered in the illustrated embodiment. If a greater number of sections are utilized, the uncovered area will be accordingly increased so that in clear weather the roofing system will furnish a minimum of interference with sunlight, air movement, etc.

To move the movable sections 12, 14 and 16 into a stacked condition any suitable means may be provided. In FIGURE 2a one arrangement is shown. Each movable roof section is mounted on a series of rollers or wheels 22 which in turn are set on a guide track 24. Any suitable driving means, such as an electric motor, may be provided with each roof section so that it can be easily rotated in or out of a stacked condition.

As shown in FIGURE 2 and 2a the roof sections 10-16 assume a catenary form of suspension. In this arrangement the roof sections are under tension and, accordingly, may be designed of a lighter structure than is the case, also within the scope of the present invention, where they are arranged in arch or domed form in which the structure is primarily in compression. Arch or domed sections, 16a, 12a, 14a and 16a. are indicated by phantom lines in FIGURE 2a.

Any suitable means may be utilized for forming the structural framework of the sections lit-16. In a preferred embodiment tubular structural members are used. Tubular structural members-have an advantage over other structural members such as standard shape I-bea-ms, angle irons, channels, etc. Tubular members have a greater resistance to torsional stress than do these other standard shape members. In long spans, as are required to extend across the open area of a stadium, it is necessary that th? self supporting root sections have a substantial resistance to any torsional effect. Tubular members provide th necessary resistance yet permit the design of a lightweight structure due to their greater torsional strength.

In alternate embodiments, if desired, the roof sections 1:946 may be made of a cable system.

In FIGURES 3 and 5 a typical cross section of a roof member of tubular design is shown. The main supporting members are a series of longitudinal tubes 26-which extend across the open area of the perimeter structure 18 converging towards the center. The number of tubular members 26 required in each section depends on the clear span across the perimeter structure 18 as well as the structural strength of each member 26. Thus, the particular number of tubularmcmbers 26 is a matter of design. for each structure.

Lateral bracing in the form of tubular members 28 is provided between the longitudinal'tubes 26.. These lateral members 28 are spaced as needed along the extent of the longitudinal members 26 and provide lateral strength and stability for the roof sections. a

A thin skin covering 30 is. provided over the top of the longitudinal members 26. This covering 3%) may be of any suitable material such as sheet steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. A similar bottom skin covering 32 is applied to the underside of the tubing 26.

If desired a thin layer of insulation 34 may be placed between the skin coats 3t) and 32 to reduce the efiect of outside climatic conditions and to assist in melting snow on the roof.

Since the roof sections 1d16 in the illustrated embodiment form a concave roof cover, there will inherently be an accumulation of rain Water and melting snow or ice in the center of the roof. .It is necessarythat this accumulated rain wateror melted snow be removed and prevented from overloading the roof sections or pouring on to the stadium playing area within the perimeter structure 18.-

To collect this water a center pan 36 is provided beneath the intersection of the several roof sections. As shown in FIGURES 6 and 7 in particular, the center pan 36 tor-ms a deep well for the collection of this water. The water which is collected in the pan 36 is pumped from this collection point by one or more pumps P as required.

If the roofing system is used on a stadium in a northern climate where snow and ice may be expected it is necessary that this snow and ice be quickly removed to prevent a heavy load from accumulating on the roof sections. Accordingly, as shown in FIGURE 7 a heating system using hot water, steam or hot air may be pumped through a series of conduits in the sections -16. If desired, the tubular structural members 26 may be used as the conduits for carrying the heating medium which is used to heat the skin surface 30 and cause the ice or snow accumulating thereon to melt. In an alternate means, electrical heating mean-s may also be used to melt the accumulated ice or snow load. 7

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGURE'Z the roof sections are arranged in concave fashion. As pointed out previously, if desired, the roof sections may be formed as arches or double cantileverconnected members and assume a convex condition. A convex or domed condition may be used where added clear height above the playing area is desired.

In another embodiment of this invention, as shown in FIGURE 1, the roof'sections, 10%16, whether concave or convex, may be interconnected at or near their central point by a pin 38 or other structural device, so as to pro vide additional supportand reduce relative deflections.

The present invention in a stadium roofing system provides a construction which is self supporting and does not require any external central support arrangement such as a cantilever beam or central column. With the present invention it is possible to provide a roofing system for a stadium openarea which heretofore could not be practically covered by a roofing system.

While the present illustrated embodiment is for the purposes of .setting forth an illustrative example of the present invention it is to be understood that others will occurto those skilled in the art which are within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A roof system for covering substantially circular open areas such as stadia and the like comprising a supporting structure disposed around the periphery of said area, a substantially circular perimeter track structure mounted on the top ofsaid supporting structu e, a plurality of roof panels spanning the open area, each of said panels extending through the center of said area and beingrotatably supported'at each end on thetrack structure, each of said panels comprising two diametrically opposed sector-shaped segments centrally joined as a continuous self-supporting structural element, the number of panels being sufficient to completely cover the open area, said track structure comprising a plurality of spaced track means, the ends of each-respectiveroof panel being supported on the respective spaced track means, whereby, the panels may berotated from a position covering the open area to a stacked and aligned condition, one over another. I p p I V 2. A roof system for covering substantially circular open areassuch as s't-adia and the like as defined in claim 1 wherein said roof panels each has a structural framework and a roof covering connected to the framework.

3. A roof systemas defined in claim-1 wherein at least one of the roof panels is fixed in position and the remainder of the roof sections are adapted to be rotated into alignment with said fixed root section and in stacked relationship therewith.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Modern Plastics of March 1952, page 102.

Interbuild (British publication) of March 1959, pp. 3639.

Architectural Record of May 1959, pp. 250-252.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

JACOB L. NACKENOFF, WILLIAM L. MUSHAKE,

Examiners. 

1. A ROOF SYSTEM FOR CONVERING SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR OPEN AREAS SUCH AS STADIA AND THE LIKE COMPRISING A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE DISPOSED AROUND THE PERIPHERY OF SAID AREA, A SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR PERIMETER TRACK STRUCTURE MOUNTED ON THE TOP OF SAID SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, A PLURALITY OF ROOF PANELS SPANNING THE OPEN AREA, EACH OF SAID PANELS EXTENDING THROUGH THE CENTER OF SAID AREA AND BEING ROTATABLY SUPPORTED AT EACH END ON THE TRACK STRUCTURE, EACH OF SAID PANELS COMPRISING TWO DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED SECTOR-SHAPED SEGMENTS CENTRAALLY JOINED AS A CONTINUOUS SELF-SUPPORTING STRUCTURAL ELEMENT, THE NUMBER OF PANELS BEING SUFFICIENT TO COMPLETELY COVER THE OPEN AREA, SAID TRACK STRUCTURE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SPACED TRACK MEANS, THE ENDS OF EACH RESPECTIVE ROOF PANEL BEING SUPPORTED ON THE RESPECTIVE SPACED TRACK MEANS, WHEREBY, THE PANELS MAY BE ROTATED FROM A POSITION COVERING THE OPEN AREA TO A STACKED AND ALIGNED CONDITION, ONE OVER ANOTHER. 